Smart Life Week draws record crowds as Seoul showcases AI urban future

Seoul's annual Smart Life Week, an event showcasing artificial intelligence and smart city technology, saw a record-breaking attendance of around 87,000 visitors this year. This marked a significant 45 percent increase compared to last year, indicating growing public interest in urban technology, according to city officials. The event took place from October 6 to 8 at Coex in the Gangnam District.

The surge in visitors suggests that people are increasingly interested in AI and robot technology that could transform daily life and urban living.

The Smart Life Week 2026 brought together 110 cities from 52 countries, alongside 302 companies and 101 institutions. These entities converged to share their technological advancements and experiences in utilizing AI for urban innovation. The event aimed to foster collaboration and share knowledge on how AI can be harnessed to improve urban environments.

To support Korean small businesses and startups in their quest to expand globally, the event facilitated 379 business meetings with representatives from foreign cities, buyers, and investors. This networking opportunity provided a platform for Korean firms to connect with international stakeholders, promoting potential sales and investment opportunities.

Among these attendees were 91 buyers, 40 of whom participated in Present for Your City sessions. These sessions were designed to match the policy needs of overseas cities with the AI, robot, and smart city technologies offered by Korean firms. Additionally, 40 Present for Your City sessions were held, further emphasizing the city's commitment to global technological exchange and cooperation.